Mr. James Leonard Burney, Sr. age 74 of Americus, Georgia died on Friday, June 7, 2013 at the Phoebe-Sumter Medical Center in Americus, Georgia. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. at the New Hope A.M.E. in Smithville, Georgia. Burial will follow at the church cemetery.

Mr. James Leonard Burney, Sr. was born on December 8, 1938 in Macon County, Georgia to the late Thomas Burney and the late Mrs. Addie Burney. At an early age he joined the New Hope Baptist Church. He was educated in the Lee County Public School System. Mr. Burney was employed for many years at Reeves Construction Company. He was married to the late Polly Mae Young Burney and this union was blessed with six children, one daughter, Diana Burney Green preceded him in death. Three siblings also preceded him in death: Thomas Burney, Leroy Burney and Doris Jenkins.

He leaves to cherish his memory five children: Edward Burney , Jr. of Americus, GA, Mrs. Yvonne Burney Tullis of Americus, GA, Montrail Burney of Albany, GA, James Burney, Jr. of Virginia Beach, VA and Ms. Deborah Young Jernigan of Smithville, GA; three brothers: Edward Burney, Sr. of Rochester, NY, Billy Burney and Calvin Burney both of New York ; three sisters: Ms. Dorothy Evans of San Jose, CA, Ms. Sandra Burney NC, and Ms. Bunnie Burney of Jacksonville, FL; five sisters-in-law: Ms. Johnnie Mae Hayes of Smithville, GA, Ms Gussie Reddick of Desoto, GA, Ms. Jessie Pearl McCoy of Smithville, GA, Ms. Dollie Mae Merritt of Americus, GA and Ms. Bobbie L. Young of Smithville, GA; three brothers-in-law: Dennis Young of Smithville, GA, Ronnie Young of Albany, GA and Walter lee Young of Americus, GA. Several other relatives and friends also survive.